Category Archives: State Election News

New bill is “green,” say supporters

New bill is “green,” say supporters

The bill which kept senators busy in Washington all weekend, and which only passed with the Vice President casting a tie-breaking vote, is a big win for the environment, says Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council.MORE

Pritzker asked about police unions’ endorsements of Bailey for governor

Pritzker asked about police unions’ endorsements of Bailey for governor

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – As so often happens, the newsmakers show up at an event, and the reporters’ questions are about something different. Monday was no exception. Indiana’s solidifying abortion restrictions, causing major employers Eli Lilly and Cummins to wonder how much more business they want to do there. Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot would…MORE

State Rep. Lisa Hernandez steps in as leader of Illinois Democrats

State Rep. Lisa Hernandez steps in as leader of Illinois Democrats

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A new leader is in place for Illinois Democrats. State Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) succeeds U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Matteson), as some in the party – including Gov. JB Pritzker – said Kelly’s fund-raising abilities have been hampered by her status as a federal officeholder. “This past week has been…MORE

The re-election campaign is on for the governor

The re-election campaign is on for the governor

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – One of the first things Gov. JB Pritzker did after defeating a nominal opponent in Tuesday’s primary was to sit for two days of interviews with statehouse reporters. He told WJBC’s Dave Dahl that “anti-corruption” Aurora mayor Richard Irvin turned out to be corrupt himself, and that Republican primary winner…MORE

Illinois Republican candidates for governor debate Thursday night

Illinois Republican candidates for governor debate Thursday night

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The six men seeking the Republican nomination for governor debated Thursday for ABC-7 in Chicago. Unsurprisingly, guns and school safety were major issues. “Our schools can be soft-armored. Each classroom can become a safe zone,” said State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia). “In our area, law enforcement takes a very active…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…